A high-profile murder trial in Massachusetts is drawing renewed attention to maternal mental health issues and prompting conversations about support systems available to parents in New Mexico.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A high-profile murder trial in Massachusetts is drawing renewed attention to maternal mental health issues and prompting conversations about support systems available to parents in New Mexico.

Lindsay Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children, but her defense team argues she is not criminally responsible because she was experiencing postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors argue the killings were calculated.

The case prompted questions about what resources exist in New Mexico for mothers and families dealing with mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.

Studies show roughly one in seven women experience postpartum depression, and one in 10 men experience emotional struggles after the birth of a child.

Susan Aguayo, founder of Kassy’s Kause, said maternal mental health affects entire families.

“When I first started Kassy’s Kause, I felt this was a mom issue, and in reality, it’s a family issue. Because if mom is not OK, then the family is not going to be OK,” said Aguayo.

Aguayo turned her grief into advocacy and is pushing for legislation that would require maternal health care providers to conduct mental health check-ins during every trimester of pregnancy and at every baby wellness checkup after birth.

Maternal health advocates are also calling for expanded research into maternal and paternal mental health and greater access to wraparound support services, particularly in rural communities.

Those seeking postpartum support can connect with Postpartum Support International.

Aguayo serves as the New Mexico group leader for the organization. Her organization, Kassy’s Kause, has their own hotline for those in need: 505-603-2988.

Mothers, advocates call for more support and screening

Michelle Sharfin said becoming a parent can bring unexpected mental health challenges.

“Birth is the one piece that unites us all,” said Sharfin.

Sharfin said she credits her mother for helping shape her life.

“She’s phenomenal. She raised three amazing kids,” Sharfin said.

But Sharfin said becoming a mother was one of the most difficult experiences she has faced.

“There was a new baby; they were so wrapped up in the baby, you know, and they kind of forgot about me,” she said.

Advocates say many mothers feel isolated during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Aguayo’s daughter, Kassy, died by suicide during her pregnancy. Aguayo said her daughter struggled with perinatal depression and felt isolated because her experiences differed from those of other pregnant women she knew.

“She felt that there was something wrong with her because friends and family members who share pregnancies or were currently pregnant were not experiencing what she was thinking, what she was feeling,” Aguayo said.

Aguayo said her family did not fully understand the severity of her daughter’s condition.

“My daughter’s view was, ‘I am not going to put a burden on my mom and my family. There’s something wrong with me, and they don’t need to have someone else on their plate,’” Aguayo said.

Today, Aguayo and Sharfin both advocate for improvements to maternal mental health care in New Mexico.

Aguayo said the state needs more screening opportunities and more health care providers.

“We need to be able to get more screening. We need to get more providers. Unfortunately, you know, New Mexico is the highest number in mortality of moms who are pregnant,” she said.

Aguayo supports mandatory mental health screenings during each trimester and at every baby checkup. Sharfin said she wants more regular mental health check-ins for new parents.

“Everyone has that responsibility: doctors, nurses, the media, our parents, our grandparents, sisters, brothers. It’s everyone, and no one is immune to it, so it can happen to everybody,” Sharfin said.

An OB-GYN interviewed for this story said pregnant women and women in the first 13 to 14 weeks postpartum are among his most vulnerable patients.

Those seeking postpartum support can contact Postpartum Support International for immediate assistance and resources.

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